Born in the late 18th century, Marie-Jean Hérault de Séchelles boasted a pedigree that dated back to the 14th century. A silver spoon complemented his blue blood; his tastes were luxurious while his personality was affable, and from the burgeoning of his youth he managed to dazzle the most jaded of courtiers. And so, Marie-Jean Hérault de Séchelles was in many ways the quintessential French aristocrat.